Watercolours Lately: At the Farmer’s Market
A few weeks ago my sister decided to get a table at the local farmer’s market to sell some of her handcrafted jewelry. It went so well for her, that she decided to get a table the next week as well, and she asked if I wanted to share the cost of a table, and sell some of my watercolours. I said yes, but I only had 3 greeting cards ready to sell- so that meant a whole lot of painting over the weekend! A few years ago, I did up some painted cards, but I had really gotten out of the habit. I haven’t been painting as much lately as I would like to. In fact, the last time I picked up my watercolours and my brush was way back in February when I made Valentine’s cards. Sometimes it is so easy to neglect the things that we love doing… why is that I wonder?
I was a bit nervous to start again, wondering if I had perhaps forgotten technique, and I was afraid that I would end up with some kindergarden style finger paintings, but surprisingly, I got right back into the swing of things, and had a great time making these up. Actually, I looked at some of the paintings I made a few years ago, and I like how these turned out a lot better. I got some new finer art pens a couple of months ago 0.5 mm instead of 0.7 mm, and it made a big difference!
I didn’t really do very well at the market, as it was a slower day, and I think people were there mainly for the fresh garden vegetables. (To be honest, that is why I go to the market too!) However, I did sell a few cards, and I got some good feedback, so I am planning on sharing a table again at the Christmas market. I think things will go better then, as people are looking to buy at Christmas time! Anyways, even if the cards didn’t sell very well, I had a lot of fun making them, and I am glad that I had a reason to get back into painting. Now, let’s keep it up right?
Do you do watercolours, or any other kind of artwork? Do you have any fun hobbies that you find yourself neglecting?
ps. Things have been rather busy and hectic around here the past few weeks; sometimes life just has a way of getting in the way of things and I’ve been a bit quieter around here, and on the internet in general. Next week I am writing two different guest posts, which I am very excited to share with you. As the two ladies I am writing for, are going on holidays, I thought it was perhaps a good time for me to have a break, myself (and catch up on reading blogs, as I just haven’t had the time lately for that!) So I won’t be posting here next week, however I will let you know when my guest posts go live, so you can go and check them out on the other blogs!
September 2, 2016 @ 8:58 am
Your cards are absolutely stunning! I used to draw and paint beautifully too, but I have neglected this hobby for years and it will take a lot of hard work to get back to the level I’m happy. The Christmas cards are definitely a better idea, people still send Christmas cards more than any other occasion!
September 2, 2016 @ 9:58 am
Thanks so much Christina! I hope that you can get back into painting and drawing too- it is so hard to start something that you used to be good at, because you know that those first steps will be so hard. But definitely worth it 🙂
I agree that people send Christmas cards more than other cards. It is too bad that people don’t send as many “just because” cards- I always like getting and sending cards as they just brighten your day!
September 2, 2016 @ 9:35 am
You are so very talented! I’m looking forward to checking out your guest posts next week, and I hope you have a lovely holiday.
September 2, 2016 @ 9:59 am
Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy the guest posts too 🙂
September 2, 2016 @ 3:49 pm
I love the shades you used! The designs are also lovely. Perhaps they will sell better at future markets. I haven’t done any artwork for awhile, though I’ve got the full 120-count oil-based Pablo colored pencils from Caran d’Ache), Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils, water-soluble wax pastels (also from Caran d’Ache), soft oil pastels (the full 120-count set, originally made for Picasso, from the famous Sennelier), a 24-count of Koh-I-Noor wax pencils, some of Derwent’s wax-based Coloursoft pencils, some oil-based Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils, the full 72-count set of Derwent Artbars (water-soluble wax sticks), and some student-grade oil pastels. I also have a few wax-based Prismacolors I got from open stock, though I’m not going to risk getting an entire set after hearing so many people complaining about the quality going sharply downhill in recent years.
September 2, 2016 @ 6:48 pm
Wow, it sounds like you have a lovely collection of art supplies! I hope you get a chance to get back into creating artwork soon 🙂
September 2, 2016 @ 7:52 pm
I used to do a little painting with watercolors. Now it’s mostly doodling and filling in with colored pencils. I started cross-stitching again. Painting with thread…? I also like to send cards “just because.” Nicole, young lady of many talents, your artwork is beautiful!
September 2, 2016 @ 10:57 pm
Thank you so much Annabelle. Your comments just make my day 🙂
Cross stitch is definitely artwork- I like how you put it “Painting with thread”. That is a very apt description. I could never get the hang of cross-stitching as I am not precise enough and it always looked so messy 🙁 But I absolutely love the pieces that other people come up with!
September 7, 2016 @ 1:06 am
They are lovely! Drawing and painting are my neglected hobbies too 🙁 Still, at least they are something you can always come back to. I’m doing a market near Christmas too – very nerve-wracking – markets are not really my thing but I thought I’d give it another go!
September 7, 2016 @ 10:24 am
That is really exciting that you are doing a Christmas market too! It sure is a different kind of experience. I wish you the best of luck and that it works out for you really well! 🙂
September 7, 2016 @ 3:25 pm
Your work is so immensely pretty! I love how it feels both soothing/calming and energizing at the same time. You’re a very talented artist and I just adore that you shared more of your work here with us. Thank you for doing so – please feel free to make it an ongoing occurrence. 🙂
xoxo ♥ Jessica
September 7, 2016 @ 11:05 pm
Thanks Jessica. I’ll make sure to share more as I get closer to the Christmas sale!
September 18, 2016 @ 5:44 am
I really like the shelves of books, that is a lovely card. It must be great to be able to draw, it is definitely not a skill of mine! I’m sure the Christmas cards will do really well.
September 18, 2016 @ 10:52 pm
Thanks for the encouragement Kate-Em!